Community Gateway Association (CGA) has reached a monumental milestone with the completion of the development of our 1,000th affordable new home in Tulketh Brow, Canal Side View, Preston. This development, consisting of 12 homes for affordable rent, marks a significant achievement in our mission to provide high-quality, affordable housing for the local community. The event commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Sir Mark Hendrick, MP for Preston, alongside CGA’s Chair of the Board, Phil Parramore.
Sir Mark Hendrick, MP, expressed his support for this milestone achievement:
"This is a remarkable accomplishment, providing much-needed affordable homes and making a real difference in our community. This milestone reflects Gateway’s unwavering dedication to enhancing housing availability and quality for the people of Preston."
Stephen and Gillian, the tenants moving in to the 1,000th home, shared their delight:
"We are thrilled and excited to receive the keys for our new forever home and are looking forward to a fresh start in CGA’s 1,000th new build home!"
The 1,000 homes are more than just houses - they have provided homes for over 3,700 people. As a Gateway Model social housing provider, we put tenants at the heart of everything we do, a principle upheld throughout our development journey.
We have ensured that our development activity not only delivers much-needed homes but also makes a positive contribution to the community. Through our development programme, CGA has driven regeneration and provided community facilities, such as the new library and community convenience store at Savick. These facilities, along with new family homes, have transformed the Savick estate. Additional projects, including regeneration efforts at Rothwell Close and various infill sites, further demonstrating our commitment to revitalising communities.
Since our formation, in 2005, we have invested £208 million in new homes. This investment comprises of £160 million of our own funding, £47 million from Homes England through the Affordable Homes Programme, and £1 million from Preston City Council.
Rob Wakefield, Chief Executive of CGA, commented:
“We are proud to reach this milestone of delivering 1,000 high-quality, affordable homes. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to building homes that are not only safe and sustainable but also transformative for the communities they serve. From our first development at Patterdale Close in Fishwick to the completion of Canal Side View, we have always prioritised quality and the needs of our tenants. This journey has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of teams from across the organisation, our partners, and stakeholders. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for Preston and beyond.”
Louise Mattinson, CGA’s Executive Director of Customers and Communities, added:
“These 1,000 homes represent more than just bricks and mortar - they are homes that provide security, comfort, and a foundation for better lives. We have worked tirelessly to ensure these homes meet the diverse needs of our tenants, from family housing and shared ownership opportunities to extra care schemes for older people and accommodation for homeless individuals. This milestone underscores our commitment to investing in Preston’s future, creating not just homes but thriving communities. We look forward to continuing this legacy with plans to deliver over 400 more homes by March 2028.”
CGA’s development journey began in 2012, with the completion of our first 16 homes on Patterdale Close, Fishwick. Since then, we have delivered on the following key developments leading up to the completion of our 1,000th home.
Additionally, our Empty Homes Project, in partnership with Preston City Council in 2018, has brought 46 long-term vacant homes back into use, earning two national awards. These homes have been empty for a combined total of 169 years, attracting vandalism and anti-social behaviour, to house more families on the waiting list. This partnership working was recognised by the Empty Homes Network for Best Partnership Scheme in 2022.
Looking ahead, we have a robust pipeline of developments coming up for 2025 and beyond: